USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 14
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On the 28th of June, 1885, Mr. Hardin was united in marriage to Miss Ella R. Eckley, a native of Keokuk county, Iowa, where she resided until her marriage. They now have one son, Max E., who was born De- cember 22, 1889, and is now a junior in the Iowa State Agricultural Col- lege, pursuing a scientific course.
In his political views Mr. Hardin is a stalwart republican and advocate of the principles of the party through the columns of his paper. He
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served as postmaster of the town under appointment of President Mc- Kinley and President Roosevelt, filling the office for nine years, or until the 13th of January, 1907. He is well known in Masonic circles as a member of the lodge and chapter at Ames, belongs also to Ames Lodge, No. 150, K. P., and to Boone Lodge, No. 563, B. P. O. E. A social, genial nature renders him popular, and it is well known that he is an ardent ad- vocate of progress and improvement in public affairs, stanchly and ag- gressively advocating measures which he deems factors of general growth and development.
MICHEL HEGLAND.
The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into the records of Story county without learning that the Hegland family has been prominently connected with the work of upbuilding and improvement here. For fifty-four years Michel Hegland of this review has resided where he now makes his home and he has witnessed the growth and development of the entire countryside and at all times has borne his part in the work of general improvement.
His birth occurred near Bergen, Norway, on the 13th of January, 1845, and he was therefore a lad of but twelve years when in 1857 he came to the United States with his parents, Ole and Betsy (Tungsvig) Hegland. The father was born in Norway in November, 1802, and the mother on the 5th of May, 1805. In early life he learned the shoemaker's trade and followed it in his native country, but throughout the period of his residence in America his time and energies were devoted to agricultural pursuits. Two older brothers of Michel Itegland were the first of the family to come to the new world, having crossed the Atlantic in 1854, at which time they took up their abode in Illinois. Later they became familiar with condi- tions in Story county, Iowa, made their way to this district, secured the lumber and built a good frame house, which the family occupied on their arrival. It was in 1857 that the parents and the other children of the household made the long voyage across the briny deep and then overland to lowa. The first settlers had come here only the summer before and the country was very new. Iowa City was the nearest town. They had no market and in fact they had nothing to sell and practically nothing with which to buy. The frame house which the two sons had erected was one of the best houses in the county at that time. In fact it was the largest building in Howard township in pioneer times and the only frame struc- ture for a number of years. It was therefore used for church purposes. Mr. and Mrs. Hegland opening their home to the Lutheran congregation, which was soon organized among the early settlers. No improvements had been made upon the land when the family took possession but with
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characteristic energy father and sons broke the prairie and planted crops. At first they raised only enough to supply the family needs. Everything used was made by hand upon the farm and the fare was principally cracked corn and pork. Within the boundaries of the farm were embraced one hundred and sixty acres of land and the soil, naturally rich and productive, responded readily to the efforts of the owners. The father continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until his later years. He reached the very advanced age of ninety-one and a half years, passing away in May, 1893, and his wife was also about ninety years of age at the time of her demise, which occurred in February, 1895.
Their family numbered seven children. Thor, the eldest, enlisted from Story county as a soldier of the Civil war and died in the service in Mis- souri. He and two others were the first Norwegians to enlist from this county. Lars is a retired farmer living in Roland. Inga is the wife of John Ritland. of Howard township, living about two and a half miles north of Roland. Ole O., who served in the Union army as a member of an Illinois regiment, is now a retired farmer living in Roland. Samuel O., who enlisted from Illinois with his brother, is likewise a resident of Roland. Ole, the second of the name, is a retired farmer of Roland.
The youngest member of the family is Michel Hegland, whose name introduces this review. He was a lad of twelve years when the family sailed for the new world and since that time he has continuously lived at the present place of his residence, which is now within the corporation limits. There was no town, however, at the time the family took up their abode here. Michel Hegland was formerly the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, a part of which has now been platted. He also added forty acres to his original holdings, becoming the owner of two hundred acres, but sold the farm to his son-in-law, T. C. Erickson. He retained about two acres and has erected thereon a fine residence, built in modern style of architecture and supplied with all comforts and con- veniences. As a farmer he was enterprising, diligent and progressive, de- voting many years of his life to general agricultural pursuits and stock- raising. He did not confine his attention entirely to that business, however, for he became interested in commercial pursuits in Roland, being associated with his son Lewis in the hardware and implement business for a number of years. He ever displayed sound judgment in business affairs and keen discrimination, and the success which he has enjoyed has come to him as the merited reward of earnest labor.
On the 20th of August, 1870, Mr. Hegland was married to Miss Caro- line Larson, who was born in Kendall county, Illinois, November 27, 1853. and was brought to Story county in 1856 by her parents, Rasmus and Margaret (Sheldahl) Larson, both of whom were natives of Norway, the former born in November, 1802, and the latter on the 20th of August, 1811. They came to the United States in 1845, settling first in Illinois, and on removing to Story county the father purchased a farm of two hundred
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acres on the present site of Story City. There he and his wife continued to live until called to their final rest, Mr. Larson passing away in Novem- ber. 1873. and his wife in January, 1901. While he owned a farm he did not personally engage in agricultural pursuits. He was a mechanic and while in Norway engaged in watch-making. After coming to the new world he followed carpentering, shoemaking. and the tinsmith's trade, and in fact could do anything in mechanical lines. He was a man of unswery- ing integrity and possessed sound judgment. People came for miles around to ask his advice, especially in matters concerning building or buy- ing. Unto him and his wife were born seven children : Lars, now deceased ; Erick, who was a soldier of the Thirty-second Jowa Volunteer Infantry in the Civil war and is now living at Island, Minnesota; Randi. the widow of Hlolver R. Larson and a resident of Story City; Inger, who is the widow of Samuel Larson, a brother of her sister's husband and a resident of Los Angeles, California; Margaret, who is the widow of Jacob Jergen- son and lives in Story City; Betsy, the deceased wife of the Rev. O. G. Jukam ; and Mrs. Hegland.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hegland have been born twelve children: Betsy, now the deceased wife of T. C. Jacobson; Martin, who died in infancy; Margaret, the wife of T. S. Erickson, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; R. L., who was educated at Sioux Falls and is a graduate of a business college, his home being now in Sharon. North Dakota; Mary, the wife of M. O. Anderson ; Henry T., who was educated at Sioux Falls and is now following farming a mile west of Roland; Martin N., who, after graduating from the high school at Roland and the Lutheran grammar school at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, spent three years in school at De- corah, lowa, as a teacher but is now in Twin Valley, Minnesota; Clara, a nurse in the general hospital at Des Moines; L. Roy, at home ; and three who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Hegland has always been a stalwart repub- lican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has held some minor offices but has never cared much for political preferment. He belongs to the Bergen Lutheran church and his life is an exemplification of his Christian faith and belief. His history is in many respects a most interesting one, for few residents of Roland and this part of the county have been more closely associated with the pioneer development and sub- sequent prosperity of the district. People today can scarcely realize the hardships and privations which were borne by the carly settlers. Mr. Ilegland was twenty-three years of age before he possessed an overcoat. and many comforts which the present generation regard as necessities were at that date unknown. It was with difficulty, too. that the farm work was carried on. for the machinery was very crude as compared to that in use at the present time. Much of the work of the fields was done by hand and the farmer worked from daybreak until dark. Mr. Ilegland is still the owner of one hundred and sixty-three acres of land a mile west of Roland,
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which he operated in connection with the cultivation of his two-hundred- acre farm that he sold to his son-in-law. At one time he was the owner of land in Minnesota, Missouri, and North Dakota, in addition to his Iowa property, but has disposed of his holdings to his children and is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He has a beautiful home in Roland, where he is surrounded by the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and because of his upright course in business affairs and his un- faltering energy his fellow townsmen rejoice in what he has accomplished and feel that his prosperity has been most worthily won.
EDGAR A. FAWCETT.
Edgar A. Fawcett, who through the greater part of his business life has been identified with banking and is now cashier of the First National Bank of Nevada, was born on a farm about four and a half miles south of Colo, December 26, 1871. His parents were Sylvanus S. and Hannah S. (Gifford) Fawcett, natives of Ohio and Maine, respectively. In his childhood days the father accompanied his parents on their removal west- ward to Wisconsin, where he was reared. He went to California during the first gold excitement in that state, spending six or eight years upon the Pacific coast, after which he returned by way of the Panama route and New York city. He continued a resident of Wisconsin until about 1866, when he drove across the country to Story county, Iowa, settling in New Albany township, where he resided until 1892, when he retired from busi- ness life and took up his abode in California. There his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in May, 1908. He had devoted his entire life to farming with the exception of the period spent in mining in the far west, and was the owner of a valuable property of two hundred and eighty acres. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Los Angeles, California. In their family were three children: Alfred J., a resident of Maxwell, Iowa; Edgar A .; and Jennie E., who is living with her mother.
Edgar A. Fawcett was born on the old farm homestead and there re- sided until his father left the farm. He supplemented his public-school education by a business course in Western College at Toledo, Iowa, after which he joined his parents in California and was there engaged in raising oranges and lemons for six years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Iowa, settling at Collins, where he entered the Exchange State Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, the institution being then known as Hanson's Private Bank. On the Ist of January, 1900, Mr. Fawcett was appointed deputy county treasurer, which position he filled for four years, covering two terms. He was twice elected county treasurer, filling the office for five years. He became connected with the First National Bank of Nevada on the Ist of January, 1909, as assistant cashier and was elected
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cashier on the ist of August, the same year, so that he is filling that posi- tion at the present time. Ile has had liberal experience in connection with financial interests and is well qualified for the onerous and responsible du- ties which devolve upon him.
On the 19th of December. 1900, Mr. Fawcett was united in marriage to Naomi Thorne, a native of Kansas and a daughter of William B. and Josephine Thorne who are residents of California. Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett have become the parents of four children: Naomi L., Harold T .. Ruth and Josephine.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in its work, Mr. Fawcett serving for some time as Sunday school superintendent. He is also a valued member of the Masonic fra- ternity, being affiliated with the lodge and chapter at Nevada, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodman camp. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his cooperation is a supporting element in every measure and movement which tends to promote the public good. As a business man he is enterprising and energetic, and his close application and progressive spirit promise well for his success in the future and also are factors in the present success of the bank.
WILLIAM LOCKRIDGE.
In an enumeration of the men whose records have been a credit and honor to the city of Nevada it is imperative that mention be made of William Lockridge, who for many years was actively associated with the business interests of the city and county and also with municipal affairs as a public official. Perseverance and industry at length brought him suc- cess that enabled him to spend the evening of life in quiet retirement. As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity. its evening of completed and successful effort, ending in the grateful rest of night, so was the life of William Lockridge. Ile was born in Augusta county, Virginia, June 23, 1832, a son of John and Eliza ( Irvin) Lock- ridge, who spent their entire lives upon a farm in the Old Dominion. They had a family of four sons and three daughters but only one is now liv- ing. Dr. John E. Lockridge, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
William Lockridge spent his boyhood and youth in his native state and was in his twenty-fourth year when, in the spring of 1856, he came to Story county, lowa. Here he located a land warrant that his father had given him, the father having received the same for his services in the war of 1812. Our subject secured employment in the old courthouse which then stood upon the site of the present home of Mrs. Lockridge. For several years he filled the position of deputy recorder, after which he was elected
WILLIAM LOCKRIDGE
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to the position of recorder and treasurer, the two offices being combined at that time. He was a supporter of the democratic party and upon its ticket he was chosen to office. About 1863 he removed to his farm which he had secured through his father's land warrant and which was located a mile south of the courthouse. The tract comprised one hundred and sixty acres, to the development and cultivation of which he devoted his energies for nine years, working a marked transformation in its appearance. By rea- son of the improvements he placed upon it he sold to good advantage and then purchased a lumberyard in Nevada, which he conducted for twenty- six years. Throughout that period he ranked as one of the leading busi- ness men of the city, his progressive spirit and his enterprise enabling him to build up a business of satisfactory proportions that returned to him gratifying annual income and eventually enabled him to live retired. After conducting his lumberyard for more than a quarter of a century he sold out and put aside all business cares save the supervision of his investments. He was considered one of the most substantial business men of the town and built the first tile factory there. His progressiveness was tempered by a safe conservatism and his judgment was sound and reliable so that his advice was frequently sought by others concerning the advisability of busi- ness propositions. From time to time he made purchases of land and be- came the owner of about three hundred acres of valuable farm property near the fair grounds. He had another farm south of Nevada and six hundred and forty acres in Kossuth county, Iowa. He became known as a prominent representative of financial interests here. being president of the First National Bank for a number of years but resigning in his later life.
On the 19th of January. 1860, Mr. Lockridge was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Letson, who was born in Hardin county, Ohio, January 15. 1841, and there resided to the age of seventeen years when she came to Ne- vada with her parents, Christian Bemper and Jane (Huston) Letson, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. Both died, how- ever, in Nevada, Iowa, the former at the age of fifty-eight years and the fatter at the advanced age of eighty-three. Mr. Letson prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of three farms in Story county. Unto him and his wife were born six children : Della, the wife of John Waldron, of Nevada; Mrs. Lockridge: Warren, who is living in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Helen, the wife of S. F. Balliett, of Des Moines; Rachel, the wife of Clarence Miller, of Cedar Rapids ; and Levina, the wife of W. P. Zwill- ing, of Nevada.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lockridge was blessed with eight children : Elfa, who is the wife of T. P. Worsley and lives with her wid- owed mother; Jennie, who became the wife of Frank Warrick and died in 1903: Etta, the wife of L. A. Will, of Salina, Kansas; Frank, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Levina, the wife of J. E. Drybread, of Nevada ; Maggie, who died at the age of two years; Clarence, who died
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at the age of sixteen years; and Anna Fay, the wife of Emmitt Arm- strong, of Nevada.
While Mr. Lockridge conducted important business interests and dis- played an aptitude for successful management in their control. he did not selfishly concentrate his energies upon business affairs to the exclusion of all other interests in life. He was a public-spirited citizen and his coopera- tion could be counted upon to further many measures and movements for the general good. He served both as a member of the city council and as mayor of Nevada and exercised his official prerogatives in support of all projects which he deemed of benefit to the city at large. . As chief execu- tive his administration was businesslike and resulted in the adoption of various measures of reform and progress. At one time he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and he always exemplified in his life the benefi- cent spirit of the craft, being ever ready to extend a helping hand where assistance was needed. He died July 23, 1903. at the advanced age of seventy-one years. Nevada had long claimed him as one of her prominent citizens and the basic principles of his life were such as won him the regard, confidence and honor of all with whom he came in contact.
SOREN V. KALSEM.
In the list of Columbia's adopted children who put on the blue and fought for the stars and stripes in the south during those momentous days of the early 'Gos must be placed the name of Soren V. Kalsem. He was born in Norway on the 14th of August. 1836, in which country his boyhood and youth were passed. He acquired his preliminary education in the schools of his village and after completing the course of study he entered a more advanced school and remained there until he felt competent to ap- prentice himself to a trade. Ile chose cabinet-making for his life work and has continued to follow that trade during his residence in the United States. In 1858 he opened the first cabinet-maker's shop in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
He was one of the first to respond to the call for volunteers and in 1861 enlisted in Company C. Seventh lowa Volunteer Infantry. He spent about three years in the army, much of which time he was actively en- gaged at the front. He took part in many of the notable battles of the war, being at Shiloh and Fort Donelson and the closely contested engage- ment at Belmont. He was wounded three times and yet bears the scars of some of those strifes. Ile now keeps in touch with his oll comrades through his membership in Ellsworth Post. No. 30, of the G. A. R.
Mr. Kalsem was united in marriage to Miss Sarena Strom, and they have become the parents of the following children: Sarah, the wife of Irven Wettland; Goodman, who resides in Marshalltown, Iowa: Fulton ;
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Berth, who married Rinert Pierson and lives in Union township; Phillip, at home; Silas, a railroad man living at Woodbine, Iowa; and Albert and Cora, both at home.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, in which the parents hold membership. Ever since acquiring the full rights of citizenship Mr. Kalsem has cast his vote with the republican party, its principles best con- forming to his conception of the highest form of government. He has never aspired to political honors or public office but meets the require- ments of good citizenship by casting his ballot on election day. He is one of the pioneer citizens of Story county and has watched the growth and development of the country from the days when Ames contained but a few frame dwellings and the country was largely wild prairie. He tells many entertaining reminiscences of the hardships and privations of the early days which can hardly be credited by the present generation. He was for some years the president of the Grange and Farmers Alliance. Mr. Kalsem owns his own home, which is located on one of the older streets of the town, and is highly regarded in the community.
WALTER HENRY THOMPSON.
The career of Walter Henry Thompson, cashier and manager of the Bank of Collins, is a record of worthy ambition under direction of sound and intelligent judgment. The responsible place he holds is the result of executive force and clear discrimination and it also calls for successful management and business talents of a high order, with all of which quali- ties he is fortunately endowed. He was born in Jasper county, Iowa, November 3, 1866, son of John and Ann E. ( Angelo) Thompson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Thompson received his early education in the district schools and not being especially attracted to agricultural pursuits, became associated with his father at nineteen years of age in the grocery business at Col- lins, having the management of the business. Four years later a stock of dry goods was added, making the concern one of the important mer- cantile establishments of that part of the county. It was conducted under the title of Thompson & Son until 1891, when the junior partner came into possession of the entire business and the title was changed to W. H. Thompson, so continuing until 1896, when the business was disposed of. In 1895 Mr. Thompson and his father organized the Bank of Collins, of which they were sole owners, the subject of this review being cashier and manager. He has devoted his entire attention to the banking business since 1896 with most gratifying results, the institution being now recognized as one of the flourishing financial concerns of the county.
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In 1887 Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Luna Crabb, a daughter of Vincent and Hester ( Wells) Crabb, who came to Story county from Indiana about 1880. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson has been brightened by the birth of two children: Forest G., now the wife of Hugh Graef, of Riceville, Iowa; and John B., now attending the Col- lins high school.
Mr. Thompson gives his support to the democratic party, and although his attention has been mainly devoted to his business affairs, he has served most acceptably for two terms as mayor of Collins and also for a number of years as town treasurer. He is connected with Fervent Lodge, No. 513, A. F. & A. M .; Amity Lodge. No. 361. 1. O. O. F .; and Crescent Camp, No. 2358, M. W. A. He and his estimable wife are also members of Col- lins Chapter, No. 134. O. E. S.
Owing to habits of industry and able business judgment, Mr. Thomp- son has been successful financially and has acquired a comfortable com- petence. Possessing natural ability and discernment, and having had ex- tensive practical experience with men and affairs, he is well qualified for the position of responsibility which he occupies and has attained a well established position as one of the thoroughly capable and progressive men of Iowa.
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